The Benefits Of A Power Nap

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A 20 minute power nap is like pushing the reset button.

Many people associate mid-day napping with laziness. The truth is an afternoon power nap will supplement your normal sleep by providing rejuvenation. It can help you function better throughout the remainder of the day and it has several health benefits.

A power nap can:

improve memory

lessen afternoon drowsiness

create more alertness, productivity, and energy level

reduce the risk of heart disease

reduce stress hormone levels

refresh the mind and improve creativity

But here are some things to keep in mind so that your nap doesn’t leave you feeling more tired than rejuvenated.

Try to limit the power nap to 30 minutes, and never nap more than 90 minutes. If your nap is too long, it may end up disrupting your nighttime sleep schedule. Plus you don’t want to enter a normal sleep cycle without being able to complete it. Doing so can result in grogginess, disorientation, and being sleepier than you were before the nap. Also try to eliminate all sound and light from the room. And never try to substitute your nap for a good night’s sleep. While power naps can improve one’s health, they alone cannot keep you healthy.